Richmond score upset AFL win over Port

By Greg Buckle

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says it's time for his side to wake up, as their hopes of a top-four AFL finish start to slip away.

Hinkley's former ladder leaders suffered an upset 20-point loss to Richmond at Etihad Stadium in their round-17 clash on Sunday, as the Tigers beat a top-eight side for the first time this season.

Richmond (6-10 win-loss) have strung together three consecutive victories, while for Port their record is 11-5 after a fourth defeat in their past five matches.

The Tigers relied on a seven-goal second term to set up the victory, surging clear by 32 points just before halftime.

Richmond led by 13 points at three-quarter time and refused to be intimidated by Port's reputation for finishing strongly, as the Tigers booted five goals to the visitors' four to win 19.12 (126) to Port's 16.10 (106).

Hinkley said Port's up-and-down season, starting with 10 wins in their first 11 matches, reminded him of their five-win, five-loss start to 2013.

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If Fremantle beat Greater Western Sydney as expected late on Sunday night, Port would be one win outside the top four.

"Hopefully we've had our little down time in the season," Hinkley said.

"I don't think they've realised and been honest enough to say there's some stuff that's not quite right with what we're doing.

"Hopefully today they go away and say no, we've got to get this right.

"Your position on the ladder, you look at it and you've got to make sure you own your position. We haven't owned our position for the last month."

Sam Lloyd and Jack Riewoldt booted three goals each for Richmond and Anthony Miles and Trent Cotchin helped the Tigers win the clearances 50-41.

Travis Boak was dominant for Port with 39 possessions and eight clearances while Robbie Gray kicked four goals and Coleman Medal leader Jay Schulz was held to two, reaching his half-century.

Richmond's Reece Conca and Port's Robbie Gray will be assessed on Monday for suspected concussion.

Port host Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on July 20 and Richmond's next game is on July 25 against West Coast in Perth.

Hinkley said Port were "badly beaten inside", as the Tigers won the contested possessions tally 159-125.

"Richmond had more blokes really prepared to win (the ball) in tight," Hinkley said.

Back-half turnovers were also costly and Hinkley said poor decisions were to blame, along with Richmond's pressure.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said he was pleased the Tigers could reward their loyal fans with a fine performance.

"Our guys' hardness and ability to win the ball inside and then get it outside was really evident on the day," he said.